D01087720A

US-144@#
USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
OWNER'S MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

For U.S.A.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures.
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
c) Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
d) Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equip m e n t n o t ex p r e s s l y a p p r ove d by T E AC
CORPORATION for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate this equipment.

TASCAM US-144MKII

Declaration of Conformity
Model Number:
Trade Name:
Responsible party:

Telephone number:

US-144MKII
TASCAM
TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Montebello, California, U.S.A.
1-323-726-0303

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that cause undesired operation.

This appliance has a serial number located on the bottom panel. Please record the model number and serial
number and retain them for your records.
Model number
Serial number

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1 Read these instructions.

Do not expose this apparatus to drips or

splashes.

Do not place any objects filled with liquids,

such as vases, on the apparatus.

Do not install this apparatus in a confined

space such as a book case or similar unit.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.

TASCAM US-144MKII

Contents
IMPORTANT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1 Introduction............................. 5

5 Connections............................ 19

Overview................................................ 5
Features.................................................. 5
What is in the package........................... 5
Conventions used in this manual............ 6
Trademarks............................................. 6
Precautions and notes for placement
and use................................................... 6
Beware of condensation......................... 7
Cleaning the unit.................................... 7

USB connections................................... 19
Audio connections................................ 19

2 Parts of the US-144MKII.......... 8

Top panel................................................ 8
Front panel........................................... 10
Rear panel............................................. 11

3 Installation............................. 12
System requirements............................ 12

Guitar.............................................. 20
Sound module/MD/CD etc. (digital
connection)..................................... 20
Keyboard/drum machine/sound
module/cassette deck/MD/CD etc.
(analog connection)........................ 21
Analog record player....................... 21
Monitor speakers............................ 21
Headphones.................................... 22
MIDI connections.................................. 22

6 Application Guide.................. 24

Installing the driver for Mac OS X... 15

Windows XP and Windows Media

Player.................................................... 24
Windows Vista and Windows Media
Player.................................................... 25
Mac OS X and iTunes............................ 26
Cubase LE4........................................... 26

Uninstalling the driver..................... 15

7 MIDI Implementation Chart.. 27

Windows......................................... 12
Mac OS X........................................ 12
Installing the driver............................... 12
Installing the driver for Windows.... 13

Frequently asked installation

questions and answers (FAQ) ......... 15
Settings on your computer................... 16
Installing Cubase LE4............................ 16

4 US-144 MKII Control panel

settings................................... 17
Overview.............................................. 17
Control panel settings.......................... 17
Audio Performance.......................... 17
Sample Clock Source....................... 18
Digital Output Format..................... 18
ch1 and ch2 and ch3 and ch4.. 18
LINE OUTPUTS and DIGITAL
OUTPUT........................................... 18
USB 1.1 Mode Input Selection......... 18

Mic.................................................. 19

TASCAM US-144MKII

8 Troubleshooting..................... 28
9 Specifications......................... 31
Input/output ratings............................. 31
Analog audio input/outupt . ........... 31
Digital audio input/output............... 31
Control input/output....................... 32
Audio performance............................... 32
Computer requirements........................ 32
Windows......................................... 32
Macintosh....................................... 33
General................................................. 33
Dimensions...........................................34

1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the
TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 Audio/
MIDI Interface.
Please read this owners manual carefully
before you begin using the US-144MKII,
and use the product correctly as directed
in order to ensure long and trouble-free
enjoyment of all its functionality.
After you have read this manual, keep it
nearby for reference when required.
You can also download the Owner's
Manual from the supplied CD-ROM or the
TASCAM web site (http://www.tascam.
com).
We can accept no responsibility for any loss
of the data you record using this product
onto other MIDI equipment in your system
or onto storage devices such as hard disk.

Overview
The US-144MKII is a USB-based audio/
MIDI interface designed for use with Digital
Audio Workstation (DAW) software. It
provides a four-input, four-output 24-bit 96
kHz audio interface and a 16-channel MIDI
interface.
Because the US-144MKII is USB-based,
it is the ideal companion to any desktop or
laptop-based digital recording setup. And
since the US-144MKII operates using only
USB power, you can use it with a laptop
computer to create a very compact and
portable digital audio workstation system.
The US-144MKII is also an ideal way to
capture analog sources such as records
or cassette tapes into your computer and
preserve them as audio CDs.

Features
24-bit/96 kHz audio interface.
4-channel (two analog and two digital)
signals can be input at the same time
and recorded simultaneously into your
computer via USB.
Two XLR mic inputs (balanced) and
two 1/4 phone mic inputs (balanced/
unbalanced) are provided. One of the 1/4
phone inputs can be switched to allow
direct input of an electric guitar or electric
bass (R channel only).
Unbalanced stereo line output (RCA
connector) and headphone output.
S/PDIF digital input and output
MIDI IN/OUT.
Direct Monitor function allows zerolatency monitoring of the input.
Power is supplied by the USB connector.

A note about computer operation

If you are unsure about how to perform
basic computer operations appearing in this
manual, please refer to the owners manual
that came with your computer.

What is in the package

The US-144MKII package contains the
following items.
Take care when opening the package not
to damage the items. Keep the package
materials for transportation in the future.
Please contact the store where you purchased
this unit if any of these items are missing or
have been damaged during transportation.

TASCAM US-144MKII

1 Introduction
US-144MKII main unit
USB cable
CD-ROM (containing driver and manuals)
DVD-ROM (Cubase LE4)
Cubase LE4 Quick Start Guide
Warranty card
Owners manual (this document)

Conventions used in this

manual
The following conventions are used in this
manual:
Front panel keys, knobs, and indicators,
and rear panel connectors are designated
in all-capital letters.
Example: LINE IN jacks
This typeface is used to designate
messages displayed by the software.
Example: Control Surface Protocol
This typeface is used to designate
software menu functions and on-screen
controllers.
Example: ASIO Device
Additional information is introduced in
the styles below when needed:
TIP
Useful hints when using the unit.

NOTE
Explanation of actions in special situation
and supplement.

CAUTION

Instructions that should be followed to

avoid injury, damage to the unit or other
equipment, and loss of data.

Trademarks
TASCAM is a registered trademark of
TEAC Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP, and
Windows Vista are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS and Mac OS
X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries.
Pentium and Intel are trademarks of
Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries.
AMD Athlon is a trademark of Advanced
Micro Devices, Inc.
Cubase is a registered trademark of
Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media
Technologies GmbH.
Other company names, product names and
logos in this document are the trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.

Precautions and notes for

placement and use
Do not place any object on the unit for
heat dissipation.
Avoid installing this unit on top of any
heat-generating electrical device such as a
power amplifier.

TASCAM US-144MKII

1 Introduction
Beware of condensation
If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm
place, or used after a sudden temperature
change, there is a danger of condensation;
vapor in the air could condense on the
internal mechanism, making correct
operation impossible. To prevent this, or if
this occurs, let the unit sit for one or two
hours at the new room temperature before
using.

Cleaning the unit

To clean the unit, wipe gently with a soft dry
cloth. Do not wipe with chemical cleaning
cloths, benzene, paint thinner, ethyl alcohol
or other chemical agents to clean the unit as
they could damage the surface.

TASCAM US-144MKII

2 Parts of the US-144MKII

Top panel

1 MIDI IN indicator Lights when MIDI

data is being received at the MIDI IN
connector.
NOTE
A device that transmits the MIDI Active
Sense message will cause this indicator to
blink constantly.

TASCAM US-144MKII

2 MIDI OUT indicator Lights when MIDI

data is being transmitted from the MIDI
OUT connector.

3 USB indicator Lights to indicate a valid

USB connection to the host computer.

2 Parts of the US-144MKII

4 MON MIX balance knob Controls

the balance of the signal sources being

output from the LINE OUT jacks and the
PHONES jack. When this knob is turned to
the INPUT side, the signal being input to the
US-144MKII (from the MIC IN jacks, or
1/4 LINE IN jacks) will be output. When this
knob is turned to the COMPUTER side, the
output signal received from the computer via
USB will be output.

5 MONO switch Turn this switch ON

if you want to monitor in monaural. This
switch affects only the MIC/LINE input
signal.

6 INPUT L knob Adjust the level of the

audio signal being input to the MIC IN L
jacks and LINE IN L jacks.

7 PHONES level knob Controls the output

level of the PHONES jack.
CAUTION

Use the PHONES knob to minimize the

volume before connecting headphones.
Failure to do so could cause a sudden burst
of loud noise, which might result in hearing
damage, for example.

8 LINE OUT level knob Controls the

output level of the LINE OUT jacks.

q SIG/OL indicators Light when signals

are being input to the input channels (L, R).
They will light green to indicate a signal
is present, and will light red immediately
before distortion occurs.
These indicators will light green when the
maximum level is between -30 dB and -2
dB. The indicators will light red when the
maximum level is within -2 dB.

w PHANTOM switch/indicator Turns

on the +48V phantom power supplied to the

MIC IN jacks.
The indicator lights when the PHANTOM
switch is ON.
CAUTION

Use the PHONES and LINE OUT knobs to

minimize the volume before turning the
PHANTOM switch ON or OFF. Depending
on the mic, loud noises might be
produced and damage could be caused
to equipment or to peoples hearing.
Microphones should not be connected
to or disconnected from the US-144MKII
with phantom power switched on.
Turn this switch on only if you are using
condenser microphones that require
phantom power.

9 INPUT R knob Adjust the level of the

Unbalanced dynamic microphones

should never be connected to phantompowered connectors.

MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch Set

0

Please note that if you are operating

the unit with a battery-powered
laptop computer, the battery life of
the computer will be reduced if the
PHANTOM switch is on.

audio signal being input to the MIC IN R

jacks and LINE IN R jacks.

this switch as appropriate for the input source

you have connected to the LINE/GUITAR
IN R jack. Use the GUITAR position if you
have directly connected an electric guitar
or electric bass. Use the MIC/LINE position
if you have connected an electronic musical
instrument, audio device, or mic.

TASCAM US-144MKII

2 Parts of the US-144MKII

Front panel

e MIC IN (L, R) jacks (XLR balanced)

These are analog mic input jacks. The wiring

is as follows: pin 1 = ground, pin 2 = hot, pin
3 = cold.

r LINE IN L jack (TRS 1/4 phone jack)

These are balanced line input jacks.

t PHONES jack (stereo 1/4 phone) This

is a headphone output jack.
CAUTION

Use the PHONES knob to minimize the

volume before connecting headphones.
Failure to do so could cause a sudden burst
of loud noise, which might result in hearing
damage, for example.

10

TASCAM US-144MKII

y LINE IN R/GUITAR IN jack (TRS 1/4

phone jacks) These are balanced line input

jacks. This also accommodates guitar input.
If the top panel MIC/LINE-GUITAR select
switch is in the GUITAR position, this
operates as an unbalanced input jack for
guitar. If the MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch
is in the MIC/LINE position, this operates as
a balanced input jack. (Sleeve = ground, tip
= hot, ring = cold)

2 Parts of the US-144MKII

Rear panel

u USB connector Use the provided USB

cable to connect this to the host computers
USB 2.0 port.
NOTE

If the US-144MKII is operating

with a USB 1.1 (USB 2.0 Full Speed)
connection, the sample rate choices
will be limited to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz.
If the unit is operating with a USB 1.1
(USB 2.0 Full Speed) connection, the
transfer of audio data with the computer
by USB is limited to either 2 channels of
input or 2 channels of output.
The US-144MKII obtains power from the
host computer via the USB cable. In rare
cases, a computers USB port may not be
able to supply enough power to operate
the US-144MKII. If this occurs, consider
purchasing a USB 2.0 hub that comes
with its own external power supply.

i DIGITAL IN (COAXIAL) connector

Coaxial digital input jack that conforms

to the IEC60958 (S/PDIF) standard for
consumer use.

o DIGITAL OUT connector Coaxial

digital output jack that conforms to the

IEC60958 (S/PDIF) standard for consumer
use and the IEC60958 (AES/EBU) standard
for professional use.
NOTE
Simultaneous input and output at
24-bit/96-kHz is possible with this units
DIGITAL IN and OUT jacks.

p MIDI OUT connector Transmits MIDI

messages.

a MIDI IN connector Receives MIDI

messages.

s LINE OUT L/R jacks (RCA connector,

unbalanced) These are analog stereo output

jacks.

TASCAM US-144MKII

11

3 Installation
System requirements
See the TASCAM website for updated
information about OS compatibility.

Windows
Windows XP 32-bit SP2/SP3
Windows XP 64-bit SP2
Windows Vista 32-bit SP2
Windows Vista 64-bit SP2
or later

Supported computer system:

Windows compatible computer with a USB
port (USB 2.0 is recommended)
CPU/clock:
Pentium 4 1.4 GHz or faster
AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz or faster
(or equivalent processor)
Memory:
512 MB or more for Windows XP 32-bit
and Windows Vista 32-bit
1 GB or more for Windows XP 64-bit and
Windows Vista 64-bit
NOTE
Although this product has been checked for
use with typical computers that meet the
above operating requirements, we cannot
guarantee that it will operate with all
computers that meet these requirements.
Please be aware that even under the same
conditions, processing capability may vary
depending on differences of the design
and system.

Mac OS X
Supported operating system:
Mac OS X 10.4.11
Mac OS X 10.5.6
or later

Supported computer system:

Apple Macintosh series equipped with a
USB port as standard equipment
CPU/clock:
Power PC G4 1 GHz or faster, or Intel
processor
Memory:
512 MB or more

Installing the driver

In order to use the US-144MKII, you must
install the appropriate driver into your
computer. As described below, this is an
easy process using the CD-ROM included
with the US-144MKII.
Driver are updated from time to time. You
can download the most recent version of the
driver from the TASCAM website <http://
www.tascam.com/>.
Do not connect the US-144MKII to your
computer before you have installed the driver.
CAUTION

Handle the enclosed CD-ROM with care.

If the disc becomes scratched or dirty,
your computer may be unable to read it
and the software cannot be installed. If
the disc becomes unreadable, a fee will
be charged for its replacement.
Never attempt to play the enclosed CDROM in a conventional audio CD player,
as the resulting noise may damage your
speakers or your hearing.

12

TASCAM US-144MKII

3 Installation
Installing the driver for Windows
NOTE

55 Click the Install the Driver button

when the screen below appears.

During driver installation, a warning that

this software ... has not passed Windows
Logo testing will appear. If this message
appears, click Continue to proceed with
the installation.
During installation, you must connect,
disconnect and reconnect the unit in
steps 7, 8 and 9. You should complete
each of these installation steps in less
than one minute. Installation may fail if
you take too much time.

11 Confirm that the unit and the PC are

not connected by the USB cable.

66 Read the contents of the License

Agreement, and select I accept the
agreement if you agree to the terms.
Next, click the Install button to start
installation.

22 Insert the included driver installation

CD-ROM into the PC where you will
install it.
33 Click the Install Driver button when
the screen below appears. (If this sreen
does not appear automatically, find
and open the Autorun2.exe program
in the Autorun folder on the driver
CD-ROM.)

77 When the screen below appears, use

the supplied USB cable to connect the
unit to the PC.

44 When the language selection screen

(below) appears, select the language
you prefer and then click the OK
button.

TASCAM US-144MKII

13

3 Installation
88 When the screen below appears, unplug
the connecting USB cable from the unit
or the PC.

99 When the screen below appears once

more, reconnect the unit and the PC
with the USB cable.

14

TASCAM US-144MKII

111When the screen below appears, the

installation is complete. Click the
Reboot now button to restart the PC
to use the driver.

111 After the PC has restarted, open the

TASCAM US-122 MKII / US-144 MKII
(Start > Control Panel) or US-122 MKII
& US-144 MKII Control Panel (Start
> All Programs > TASCAM). If the
Driver Version, Device and other data
appear correctly, the installation has
succeeded.

3 Installation
Installing the driver for Mac OS X
11 Confirm that the US-144MKII is not
connected to the computer.
22 Double-click the "US-122MKII_US144MKII_1.14.dmg" on the included
CD-ROM. The "TASCAM_US122MKII_US-144MKII_1.14.mpkg" is
created on the desktop.
33 Dboule-click the "TASCAM_US122MKII_US-144MKII_1.14mpkg" on
the desktop to launch the installer.
44 Follow the instructions on the screen to
conduct the installation.
55 Restart the computer and then connect
the unit.

Uninstalling the driver

Using Windows Add or Remove

Programs
11 Open the Control Panel from the
Start menu.
22 Double click on Add or Remove
programs.
33 Select US-122 MKII / US-144 MKII
from the list and click Change or
Remove Programs.
44 Follow the instructions on the screen
for the remaining procedure.

Mac OS X
11 Insert the CD-ROM into the PC and
double click TASCAM US1xx remover
icon.

Windows
There are two ways to uninstall the driver as
shown below.
Using the Installation CD-ROM:
11 Follow steps 1 to 4 under Installing
the driver for Windows (See page 13.)
22 At step 5 of the procedure, click
Remove the driver.

22 Follow the instructions on the screen

for the remaining procedure.

Frequently asked installation

questions and answers (FAQ)
Windows driver installation
Q: When I connect the unit to a computer,
the Windows Hardware Wizard
appears and I cannot install the
driver. Am I making a mistake in the
installation procedures?

33 Follow the instructions on the screen

for the remaining procedure.

A: Close the Windows Hardware Wizard

and disconnect the unit. You must install
the driver before connecting this unit.
Insert the CD-ROM included with the
product. The menu for installing the
driver appears automatically.

TASCAM US-144MKII

15

3 Installation

Select Install Driver, and follow the

instructions shown on the screen. If you
have downloaded the driver from the
TASCAM website (htt://www.tascam.
com), expand the ZIP archive, launch
the setup.exe file, and follow the
instructions on the screen.

Q: I loaded the installation CD-ROM into

a Windows computer, but the driver
installation menu does not appear. How
can I access this menu?
A: The automatic playback settings for the
disc drive might be disabled.

Open the CD-ROM using Windows

Explorer, and double-click the
Autorun2.exe file to manually open
the installation menu.

Settings on your computer

Here are a few basic points to help you set
up your computer for best performance with
audio applications.
Do not run other applications. You
will probably use your computer for
applications other than audio, but we
recommend that you avoid running
other applications at the same time you
are running audio programs. Processing
digital audio places a considerable load on
your computer.
This means that if you are running other
applications (especially graphics or
Internet tools) at the same time as your
audio application, the processing may not
happen fast enough.

16

TASCAM US-144MKII

Installing Cubase LE4

For details see the Cubase LE4 Quick Start
Guide.

4 US-144 MKII Control panel settings

Overview
The Control Panel lets you make various
settings for the US-144MKIIs functionality.
On Windows XP and Windows Vista, the
US-122MKII & US-144MKII Control Panel
shortcut can be found in the Windows Start
menu > Control Panel or the Start menu >
All Programs > TASCAM.
On Mac OS X, the US-122MKII & US144MKII Control Panel is located in the
Applications folder. Other useful audio and
MIDI settings for Mac OS X can be found in
Applications/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup.

The Control Panel is divided into the

following two sections.

Status section
This shows the current status of the driver
and the connected hardware.
You cannot edit the settings from this
section.

Setting section
You can edit the various settings of the
driver.

Control panel settings

Audio Performance
The US-144MKII driver temporarily stores
input and output audio sample in buffers.
The size of these buffers can be adjusted.
A smaller buffer size will reduce the delay
when monitoring the audio signal, but
will require your computer to perform the
processing faster. If the processing does
not occur in time (e.g., if other system
operations are occurring), you may hear
clicks, pops, or dropouts in the audio signal.
A larger buffer size provides more safety
against such problems caused by other
system activities, but will produce greater
delay when monitoring the audio signal. You
should select the buffer size that works best
for your system.
On the Windows version of the US-144MKII
Control Panel, the Audio Performance
setting permits you to adjust the buffer size
that will be used by all audio applications.
The lowest latency setting is the minimum
buffer size, and the highest latency setting
is the maximum buffer size.
On Mac OS X, the buffer size is determined
by each audio application. Consequently,
there is no Audio Performance setting on
the Mac OS X version of the US-144MKII
Control Panel. Some applications select
the buffer size automatically while others
permit the user to select the buffer size.
Please consult your audio applications
documentation for details.

NOTE
The Mac OS X US-144MKII control panel
has no settings.

TASCAM US-144MKII

17

4 US-144 MKII Control panel settings

Sample Clock Source
The clock source can be set to Automatic
or Internal.
Automatic (default): If a clock signal is
input through the DIGITAL IN jack, it is
used. If no signal is input through the
DIGITAL IN jack, this units internal clock
is used.
Internal: This units internal clock is
always used.
When using digital input, set this to
Automatic.

Digital Output Format

Set the digital output format to AES/EBU
or S/PDIF.

ch1 and ch2 and ch3 and ch4

This unit sends 4 channels of signals to the
computer by USB.
Use these settings to select which of
this units inputs signals are sent to each
computer input pair.
Select analog inputs or digital inputs.

18

TASCAM US-144MKII

LINE OUTPUTS and DIGITAL

OUTPUT
The computer inputs 4 channels of signals to
this unit by USB.
Use these settings to select the signals to
be output from this units LINE OUT and
DIGITAL OUT jacks.
Set them to ch1 and ch2 or ch3 and
ch4.
NOTE
If you want to output Windows Media
Player or iTunes, for example, through
this units DIGITAL OUT, set the DIGITAL
OUTPUT to ch1 and ch2 in the Control
Panel.

USB 1.1 Mode Input Selection

This appears only when operating with USB
1.1.
Set the input source to analog or digital.

5 Connections
NOTE

USB connections
Using the included USB cable, connect the
US-144MKII to your computer as shown in
the illustration.

The US-144MKII has two input channels (L,

R), with a MIC IN jack (XLR) , LINE IN and
LINE/GUITAR IN jack (1/4 phone jack)
provided for each channel. Do not connect
signals to both of these analog input jacks
at the same time. If both are connected,
the signal will not be correctly input to the
US-144MKII.

Mic
Computer

USB

Connect your mics to the MIC IN (L, R) jacks

(XLR). If you are using a condenser mic
that requires phantom power, turn on the
PHANTOM switch.

NOTE
Some USB devices access the USB bus
frequently. To avoid dropouts and clicks in
the audio signal, we strongly recommend
that you do not connect other USB devices
to the USB bus used by the US-144MKII.
USB keyboards and mice are exceptions to
this, and will probably not cause problems.

Audio connections
Connect the output signal of your mic,
guitar, keyboard, or other audio device to
the US-144MKII, where it will be converted
into digital audio and sent via USB to
your computer. Connect the output of the
US-144MKII to your speakers (via an
amp) or headphones, so you will be able to
monitor the audio signals coming into the
US-144MKII or being produced by your
computer.
The balance between the input signal from
the mic and guitar and the output signal
from the computer should be adjusted by the
MON MIX knob.

TASCAM US-144MKII

19

5 Connections
CAUTION

Connecting a dynamic mic with an

unbalanced connection could damage it
if the PHANTOM switch is ON.
Do not connect or disconnect mics when
the PHANTOM switch is ON. Doing so
could cause loud noise or damage the
equipment.
Use the PHONES and LINE OUT knobs to
minimize the volume before turning the
phantom switch ON or OFF. Depending
on the mic, loud noises might be
produced and damage could be caused
to equipment or to peoples hearing.

NOTE

Sound module/MD/CD etc. (digital

connection)
Connect the digital audio output of these
devices as follows.

When the PHANTOM switch is ON (and

the unit's power is ON) the PHANTOM
indicator lights on the top panel.

DIGITAL OUT
DIGITAL IN

Sournd module/
MD/CD or similar
device

The pin configuration of the unit's XLR

connector is:
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Hot
Pin 3 = Cold

Guitar
Connect your guitar to the R-channel LINE/
GUITAR IN jack (1/4 phone jack) on the
front panel and set the MIC/LINE-GUITAR
switch on the top pannel to GUITAR.

NOTE
This units digital input jack is an RCA pin
jack.
This unit can output either S/PDIF or
AES/EBU digital signals. Set the type of
output using the control panel.

Guitar

20

TASCAM US-144MKII

5 Connections
Keyboard/drum machine/sound
module/cassette deck/MD/CD etc.
(analog connection)
Connect the analog audio output of these
devices to the LINE IN L or LINE/GUITAR IN
R jacks (1/4 phone jack) on the front panel.
If you use the R-channel, set the MIC/LINEGUITAR switch on the top panel to MIC/
LINE.

Analog record player

The output of an analog record player cannot
be connected directly to the US-144MKII.
You must connect a phono amp between your
analog record player and the US-144MKII.
(Alternatively, you can connect it via an
audio amp that has PHONO inputs.)

OUT

OUT

Keyboard/
drum machine/
sound module/
cassette deck/
MD/CD or similar
device

Phono amp or
amp with PHONO input

Analog record
player

Monitor speakers
Connect monitor speakers (powered speakers
or an amplifier and speakers) to the LINE
OUT jacks on the rear panel.

Powered speakers,
or amp and speakers

TASCAM US-144MKII

21

5 Connections
Headphones
Connect headphones to the PHONES jack
(standard stereo phone jack) on the front
panel.

of that device and the LINE OUT jacks of

this unit to the external mixer inputs.
NOTE
MIDI connections do not transmit audio.
They only carry instructions about what
and when to play, so you must also connect
the audio output jacks of a device to hear
it.

You can use the MIDI IN/MIDI OUT

connectors on the rear panel to transmit
and receive MTC (MIDI Time Code). This
allows the MTC-compatible DAW (Digital
Audio Workstation) computer application to
synchronize with your MIDI equipment.

Headphones

MIDI connections
Connect your sound module, keyboard/
synthesizer, drum machine, or other MIDI
device to the US-144MKII as shown below.
USB
Computer
MIDI IN

MIDI OUT

Sequencer/
drum machine etc.
USB

CAUTION

Computer
MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

Keyboard/
synthesizer etc.

Sound module etc.

Analog output

Analog
output
External Mixer

If you want to monitor the sound of a sound

module, keyboard/synthesizer or drum
machine, connect the output of that device to
this units LINE IN. Alternatively, to monitor
using an external mixer, connect the outputs

22

TASCAM US-144MKII

The MIDI IN indicator and USB indicator

sometimes stay lit even after the
connected computer has been shut
down. This is because some computers
continue to provide power through
the USB cable even when they are shut
down.
When the MIDI IN jack is receiving any
kind of MIDI data, the MIDI IN indicator
lights. If a device that sends MIDI
Active Sensing messages is connected,
this indicator will continuously blink.
To avoid this, disable the MIDI Active
Sensing on the connected device.

5 Connections
When using Windows Media Player,
if the MIDI music playback output
destination (default device) is set to
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth in
the Sounds and Audio Devices part of
the Control Panel, you can listen to
MIDI performances through this units
LINE OUT and PHONES output.

TASCAM US-144MKII

23

6 Application Guide
In this chapter, we explain how to set some
audio applications for use with this unit.

Windows XP and Windows

Media Player
11 Close all applications and then open
the Control Panel from the Start
menu.
22 Open Sounds and Audio Devices or
Sounds and Multimedia.
NOTE
If you do not see either of the items above,
click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices
and one will appear.

44 Click OK.
55 Start Windows Media Player, select an
audio file and begin playback.
NOTE
If you change the setting while Windows
Media Player is running, the software
will not recognize that the device has
been changed. In this case, restart
Windows Media Player.
If you still cannot hear sound after
making the settings and completing the
procedures above, restart the computer.
If you make this setting, sound will
be output through this unit, but no
sound will be output by the computers
speakers or headphone jack.
If you want to output Windows Media
Player through this units DIGITAL OUT,
set the DIGITAL OUTPUT to ch1 and
ch2 in the Control Panel.

33 Click the Audio tab, and set the

Default device: for Sound playback
to TASCAM US-144MK2.

24

TASCAM US-144MKII

6 Application Guide
Windows Vista and Windows
Media Player
11 Close all applications and then open
the Control Panel from the Start
menu.
22 Open Sound.
NOTE
If the above item does not appear, click
Hardware and Sound and it will appear.

33 Click the Playback tab, click

Speakers US-144MK2 and click the
Set Default button. This moves the
green check mark to Speakers US144MK2.

NOTE
If you change the setting while Windows
Media Player is running, the software
will not recognize that the device has
been changed. In this case, restart
Windows Media Player.
If you still cannot hear sound after
making the settings and completing the
procedures above, restart the computer.
If you make this setting, sound will
be output through this unit, but no
sound will be output by the computers
speakers or headphone jack.
If you want to output Windows Media
Player through this units DIGITAL OUT,
set the DIGITAL OUTPUT to ch1 and
ch2 in the Control Panel.

44 Click OK.
55 Start Windows Media Player, select an
audio file and begin playback.
TASCAM US-144MKII

25

6 Application Guide
Mac OS X and iTunes
11 Open System Preferences from the
Apple menu.

NOTE
If you want to output iTunes through
this units DIGITAL OUT, set the DIGITAL
OUTPUT to ch1 and ch2 in the Control
Panel.

22 Click Sound in the System

Preferences window.

Cubase LE4
See the included Cubase LE4 Quick Start
Guide for information about making settings
in this software.

33 Click the Output tab, and select US144MKII: Output under Choose a
device for sound output.

26

TASCAM US-144MKII

7 MIDI Implementation Chart

Function
Basic Channel

At power ON

Transmitted
X

Received
X

Remarks
Through

Mode

Changed
At power ON

X
X

X
X

Through

X
*************
X
*************
X

Messages
Note
Number

Altered

Through

Through

X
X

X
X

Through

X
X
X
X
*************
X

X
X
X
X

Through
Through
Through

Through

:Song Pos

Through

:Song Sel

:Tune
:Clock

X
X

X
X

Through

:Commands
:Local on/off

X
X

X
X

Through

:All note off

:Active sensing

:Reset

Velocity

Range
Note ON

After Touch

Note OFF
Polyphonic

Pitch Bender
Control Change
Program Change
System Exclusive
System Common

System
Real Time
Other

Notes

Channel

Range #

Mode 1: Omni on, Poly

Mode 2: Omni on, Mono

O: Yes

Mode 3: Omni off, Poly

Mode 4: Omni off, Mono

X: No

TASCAM US-144MKII

27

8 Troubleshooting
Please read this chapter if you are unable to
use the unit properly even after setting it up
following the procedures in this manual.
If you are still unable to resolve your
problems please contact TASCAM customer
support with the following information
about the operating environment and details
about the trouble.
Operating environment
Computer manufacturer:
Model:
CPU:
Installed memory:
OS:
DAW:
Antivirus software use:
Wireless LAN use:
Installation is failing.
Installation completed, but the
computer does not recognize it.
If some trouble is causing installation to fail,
or installation completes but the computer
does not recognize the unit, check the
following.
1) Is the units USB indicator lit green?
If the USB indicator is not lit, confirm
that the USB cable is properly connected.

NOTE
Try again after disconnecting other USB
devices. (Keyboards and mice can be left
connected.)
Do not use a USB hub. Always connect
the unit directly to a USB port on the
computer (built-in).

3) Stop other software that is running in the

background
Since antivirus software and other
software that runs in the background
can interfere with installation, stop them
before beginning installation.
See page 12 of this manual for how to install
and uninstall the driver.
There is no sound even when audio is
playing back.
The audio output must be set on the
computer.
Please confirm the following while the unit
is connected to the computer.
If you make the following settings, sound
will be output through this unit, but no sound
will be output by the computers speakers or
headphone jack.
Windows XP
11 Shut down all applications, and open
the Control Panel from the Start
Menu.
22 Open Sounds and Audio Devices

NOTE
Always use the included USB cable.

2) Change the USB port

Since the unit may not properly function
with some USB ports, try connecting to a
different (built-in) USB port, and reinstall
the driver.

28

TASCAM US-144MKII

NOTE
If you cannot find the above item, click
Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices and
it will appear.

8 Troubleshooting
33 Click the Audio tab, and set the
Default device: for Sound playback
and Sound recording to TASCAM
US-144MKII.
Windows Vista
11 Shut down all applications, and open
the Control Panel from the Start
menu.
22 Open Sound.
NOTE
If the above item does not appear, click
Hardware and Sound and it will appear.

33 Click the Playback tab, right-click

Speakers US-144MK2 and click the
Set Default button.

The sound breaks up or there is noise.

The load on the computer causes sound to
break up and noise to occur.
Methods to reduce the load on the computer
are introduced below.
1) If a wireless LAN, antivirus software and
other software that run in the background
are operating, they regularly put burdens
on the computer, which can cause sound
to break up and noise.
Stop wireless LAN transmission,
antivirus software and other software
running in the background when using
this unit.
2) Set the buffer size in the DAW software
that you are using to a larger value.

Mac OS X
11 Shut down all applications and open
System Preferences.
22 Open Sound.
33 From the output tab, select US144MKII output.
After completing the settings, restart the
computer and check the playback sound.
Depending on the application you are using,
it might also be necessary to make other
device settings in addition to those above.
In particular, since DAW software operates
using audio engines that are different from
the OS settings, confirm the DAW driver
settings first after installing the driver for
this unit.
Please see the manual for the application that
you are using for detailed setting procedures.
For the bundled Cubase LE4 software, see
the manual on the included CD-ROM.

NOTE
Consult the maker of your DAW software
for methods to reduce its burden on
your computer.
If you are not using a DAW, try setting
the Audio Performance sitting in the
driver for this unit to High Latency.

3) Change the settings of your computer

so that they are optimal for audio
processing.
Windows XP
11 Right-click My Computer and select
Properties.
22 Click the Advanced tab.
33 Click Settings in the Performance
section.
44 On the Performance Option
screen, select the Adjust for Best
Performance option.

TASCAM US-144MKII

29

8 Troubleshooting
Windows Vista
a) Turn Aero off.
11 Right-click the desktop and select
Personalize to open the Personalize
appearance and sounds screen.
22 Choose Window Color and
Appearance and then click Open
classic appearance properties for more
options.
33 Select Windows Vista Basic or any
option other than Windows Aero.
b) Performance settings
11 Right-click Computer, select
Properties, and then click Advanced
system settings.
22 Click the Advanced tab.
33 Click Settings in the Performance
section.
44 On the Performance Option
screen, select the Adjust for Best
Performance option.
Mac OS X
11 Open System Preferences and select
Energy Saver.
22 Click the Sleep tab.
33 Set Put the computer to sleep when it
is inactive for: to Never.
44 Set Put the display(s) to sleep when
the computer is inactive for: to
Never.
55 Click the Options tab.
If a Processor performance setting is
available, set it to Highest.

30

TASCAM US-144MKII

NOTE
Depending on the Mac OS version and
model this setting might not be available.

Questions related to Cubase LE4

Since Cubase LE4 is a product provided by
Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, it is
not supported by TASCAM.
Please use the Cubase LE4 Help menu (and
access the PDF manuals) for information
about how to use this software.

9 Specifications
Input/output ratings
Analog audio input/outupt
MIC IN (Balanced) terminal
Connector: XLR-3-31 equivalent
Nominal input level:
58 dBu (When INPUT konb is set to
MIC)
14 dBu (When INPUT knob is set to
LINE)

Maximum input level:

+9 dBV (When INPUT knob is

set to LINE)

Input impedance: 1 M

LINE OUT (Unbalanced) terminal

Connector: RCA pin jack
Nominal output level: 10 dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
Output impedance: 200

Maximum input level:

+2 dBu (When INPUT knob is set to
LINE)

PHONES terminal:

Input impedance: 2.2 k

Maximum output level: 18 mW + 18 mW or

more (THD+N less than 0.1%, 32 load)

LINE IN (Balanced) terminal

Connector: TRS Standard phone jack
L channel, and R channel with MIC/LINEGUTAR set to MIC/LINE
Nominal input level:

40 dBu (When INPUT konb is

set to MIC)

+4 dBu (When INPUT knob is

set to LINE)
Maximum input level:

+20 dBu (When INPUT knob is

set to LINE)

Input impedance: 15 k

R channel with MIC/LINE-GUTAR set to

Connector:Standard stereo phone jack

Digital audio input/output

DIGITAL IN (COAXIAL) jack
Connector: RCA pin jack
Compatible signal format: IEC60958 (S/
PDIF) for consumer use

DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL) jack

Connector: RCA pin jack
Compatible signal format: IEC60958 (S/
PDIF) for consumer use and IEC60958
(AES/EBU) for professional use
Switch using control panel

GUITAR

Nominal input level:

51 dBV (When INPUT konb is

set to MIC)

7 dBV (When INPUT knob is

set to LINE)

TASCAM US-144MKII

31

9 Specifications
Control input/output
MIDI IN terminal
Connector: DIN 5 pin
Format: Standard MIDI format

MIDI OUT terminal

Connector: DIN 5 pin

Total harmonic distortion (LINE IN to

LINE OUT)
Through ADC and DAC: Less than 0.0045%
(When INPUT knob is set to LINE, 1 kHz
+20 dBu input, 20 kHz LPF)
Direct monitor: Less than 0.002%
(When INPUT knob is set to LINE, 1 kHz,
+20 dBu input, 20 kHz LPF)

Format: Standard MIDI format

USB terminal
Connector: USB B type 4 pin
Format:

USB 2.0 High speed (480 MHz)

USB 2.0 Full speed

(12 MHz USB 1.1 equivalent)

Audio performance
Frequency response

Computer requirements
See the TASCAM website for updated
information about OS compatibility.

Windows
Supported Operating system
Windows:
Windows XP 32 bit SP2/SP3
Windows XP 64 bit SP2
Windows Vista 32 bit SP2
Windows Vista 64 bit SP2
or later

20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0.5 dB/1.0 dB (44.1/48

kHz) (MIC to LINE OUT)

Supported computer system

20 Hz - 40 kHz, +0.5/1.5 dB (88.2/96 kHz)

(MIC to LINE OUT)

Windows compatible computer with a USB

port (USB 2.0 is recommended)

Signal-to-noise ratio (LINE IN to LINE

OUT)

CPU/clock:
Pentium 4 1.4 GHz or faster
AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz or faster
(or equivalent processor)

Through ADC and DAC: 98 dB

(When INPUT knob is set to LINE, 20 kHz
LPF + A-weighted)
Direct monitor: 107 dB
(When INPUT knob is set to LINE, 20 kHz
LPF + A-weighted)

32

TASCAM US-144MKII

Memory:
512 MB or more for Windows XP 32-bit
and Windows Vista 32-bit
1 GB or more for Windows XP 64-bit and
Windows Vista 64-bit

9 Specifications
Macintosh

Operating temperature

Supported operating system:

5 to 35 C

Mac OS X 10.4.11
Mac OS X 10.5.6
or later

Bundled software
Cubase LE4 (for Windows or Macintosh)

Supported computer system:

Apple Macintosh series equipped with a
USB port as standard equipment
CPU/clock:
Power PC G4 1 GHz or faster, or Intel
processor
Memory:
512 MB or more

General
Sampling frequency
44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz

Sampling bit rate

16/24 bit

Power
Supplied via USB (5V, maximum current
500 mA)

Power consumption
2.5 W

Dimensions
135.4 x 179 x 47 mm (W x H x D)

Weight
0.7 kg

TASCAM US-144MKII

33

9 Specifications

179 mm

Dimensions

135.4 mm

47 mm

Illustrations and other depictions may differ in part from the actual product.
Specifications and external appearance may be changed without notification to improve the
product.

34

TASCAM US-144MKII

Notes

TASCAM US-144MKII

35

US-144@#

TEAC CORPORATION
Phone: +81-42-356-9143
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC.

www.tascam.jp

www.tascam.com

Phone: +1-323-726-0303
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC CANADA LTD.

www.tascam.com

Phone: +1905-890-8008 Facsimile: +1905-890-9888

5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V.

www.teacmexico.net
Phone: +52-55-5010-6000
Ro Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegacin Coyoacn, CP 04100, Mxico DF, Mxico

TEAC UK LIMITED

www.tascam.co.uk
Phone: +44-8451-302511
Suites 19 & 20, Building 6, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8TE, UK

TEAC EUROPE GmbH

www.tascam.de

Phone: +49-611-71580
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany
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